Srinagar, 16-04-2024 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti launched her election campaign in South Kashmir today, urging the populace to participate in large numbers and amplify the voices of the marginalized.
Commencing her rally from the bustling town of Pulwama to Wachi in Shopian, Mufti addressed a fervent gathering, stressing that the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024 present an opportunity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to articulate their grievances, particularly those endured since 2019.
In her impassioned speech, Mufti articulated, “Our representatives in Parliament aren’t solely tasked with addressing mundane issues like infrastructure. Rather, they must serve as conduits for the voices of the downtrodden and disenfranchised. This election isn’t just another electoral event; it’s a chance to amplify the cries of the innocent and the oppressed.”
Contesting the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat slated for polls on May 7, Mufti underscored her lack of personal ambition for power, reiterating her commitment to vocalizing the concerns of the people. She implored the electorate to participate robustly in the democratic process, underscoring its pivotal role in effecting change.
Accompanied by PDP leader Waheed Parra, contesting from the Central Kashmir constituency, Mufti reminisced about past tribulations and assured the populace of brighter prospects. However, she lamented the regression in the region’s stability since 2019.
Mufti emphasized that whatever J&K had earned in the last 70 years, including self-respect and identity, “was destroyed”, alleging that land, jobs, and assets were being snatched.
“People are facing hardships; youngsters are arrested, thousands are in various jails across the country; their families cannot afford to visit them. There have been frauds in recruitments; electricity meters have been installed, and people are being made to pay huge dues without power supply,” she said.
She added that claims are being made in Delhi that the situation in Kashmir is good, “but here, people are not being allowed to speak. They have turned Kashmir into a jail.”
“If we have been pushed into a river, making efforts to destroy our identity, we won’t stay silent; we will make efforts to save ourselves. We will come out of this. We have to raise our voices.”
Mufti further alleged that with the start of the election process, rampant arrests have begun. “In Shopian, a non-local driver was killed, which is unfortunate, and that does not mean that dozens of youth would be arrested and slapped with PSAs. It is happening across Kashmir.”
Mufti lamented the erosion of decades-long achievements in Jammu and Kashmir, decrying the loss of dignity, employment opportunities, and assets. She highlighted the plight of Kashmiri youth, languishing in prisons across the nation, and the economic burden thrust upon their families.
Amid claims of normalcy by authorities, Mufti criticized the suppression of dissenting voices, likening Kashmir to a metaphorical prison. She vowed to resist attempts to obliterate the region’s distinct identity, rallying the people to unite against adversity.
Mufti decried the wave of arrests coinciding with the electoral process, condemning the heavy-handed approach of authorities. She called upon the residents of Pulwama and Shopian to champion the cause of justice and ensure the victory of those advocating for their rights.
#MehboobaMufti #ElectionCampaign #JammuAndKashmir #SouthKashmir #VoiceOfThePeople #DemocracyInAction #SocialJustice #PoliticalEmpowerment #2024Elections #PulwamaToWachi #DemocraticProcess #ProgressiveChange